Mar 1, 2011

My trip to Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Island

It was the first day of our family vacation in this beautiful, island. We traveled from our hotel by car to visit one of Penang Island's largest and best known Buddhist temples located in hills of Ayer Itam. Kek Lok Si Temple that is derived from the Chinese word which carries the meaning of the "Temple of Supreme Bliss". During the olden days, the hills of Air Itam was a place for retreat of Taoist practitioners striving to achieve immortality.

Back during the days of my parents, they used to climb their way up all the way from the base of the hill to the temple. Today, roads were widen enabling visitors to drove all the way up, either to the top of the hill or halfway. We drove halfway up the hill. Upon entry, we were greeted by the majestic temple gate.

One of the prominent structures in the temple grounds, is the pagoda. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

We walked around and found this mini pagoda at the temple grounds.

We took a mini tram to the top of the hill. Later in the evening, it started to slowly become cloudy, slightly drizzling. Luckily for us, we are almost at the end of our journey, the top of the hill.

Hmmmm.... Wondering what are the scarecrows doing here?

A really cute mini Buddha we found at the souvenirs shops.

According to many Penang locals, the temple is beautifully decorated during Chinese New Year with colourful lights. I sure hope to have to the chance to be here again especially during Chinese festive season.

Before we left we dropped by for the famous Penang Cuisine and Malaysian local delight Asam Laksa. This is one of the best Asam Laksa that you can find. They had been here for many generations.

.

We spoke to the boss, and he is very friendly. I am very happy that he is smiling in the camera as well.

A little sweet, a little sour and add together spicy, combines to make just the right ingredients for a perfect soup base and delicious laksa noodles. It does wonders to your taste buds.

In the count of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....

... and they were all gone... into our stomachs of course! It has been a long time since my last Penang Laksa! We couldn't help to resist ordering a few more extra bowls. We really missed the laksa... left us really satisfied with our lunch.

16 comments:

Oh my, I love your photos! Just awesome. You captured the enrichment of colors of the beautiful island!I am following your BEAUTIFUL blog from now on.Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Sunday.Yoshi